"Yes, mother; but I had supper at Nantouillet's, where I made a frightful riot, so that the report of it might get abroad and deceive the King as to where I was."
"Then he is ignorant of your visit to Lasco?"
"Absolutely."
"Good, so much the better. I will try to influence him in your favor, dear child. But you know no influence makes any impression on his coarse nature."
"Oh, mother, mother, what happiness if I could stay! I would love you even more than I do now if that were possible!"
"If you stay you will be sent to war."
"Oh, never mind! if only I do not have to leave France."
"You will be killed."
"Mother, one does not die from blows; one dies from grief, from meanness. But Charles will not let me remain; he hates me."
"He is jealous of you, my beautiful conqueror, that is well known. Why are you so brave and so fortunate? Why, at scarcely twenty years of age, have you won battles like Alexander or Cæsar? But, in the meantime, do not let your wishes be known to any one; pretend to be resigned, pay your court to the King. To-day there is a private council to read and discuss the speeches which are to be made at the ceremony. Act like the King of Poland, and leave the rest to me. By the way, how about your expedition of last night?"